Formed in Fukuoka in 2005, The Cigavettes knew it would only be a matter of time before they relocated to Japan's capital. After years of discussing it, the melodic rockers finally packed up their instruments, along with their Beatles- and Rolling Stones-inspired catalogue of catchy, radio-friendly pop-rock, and made the move in February 2010.
"We had to come to Tokyo because our record company threatened us," says guitarist Kanji Yamamoto. He is joking, of course, since The Cigavettes issue music through their own KT Records label.
"Actually, it was kind of a natural decision for us. We knew that Tokyo is the center of Japanese music and that it has the most venues in the country. Our families, friends and Fukuoka fans all supported our decision."